Searching for a home in Northern Virginia means stepping into one of the most competitive housing environments in the country. Federal agencies, defense contractors, tech firms, and Amazon’s HQ2 campus keep the job market strong, and the result is steady buyer demand across Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties.
Homes sit close to historic neighborhoods, massive data centers, international airports, and direct train lines to the nation’s capital. Many people move here for opportunity, and the homes move quickly, too.
Learning about pricing, financing, taxes, and closing guidelines helps you prepare for a confident purchase before the moving truck even leaves the driveway.
Knowing Where You Want To Live Really Matters
Northern Virginia covers many different communities rather than one uniform market. Close-in spots such as Arlington and Alexandria attract buyers who want walkability, transit, and nightlife.
Fairfax County stretches west toward Tysons and Reston, with neighborhoods that appeal to those who want strong public schools and access to major employment centers. Loudoun County offers newer construction and high-tech paychecks near Dulles Airport. Prince William County gives buyers larger homes for the money, though with longer commute times toward Washington, D.C.
A Quick Market Comparison Across Counties
| County | Typical Buyer Appeal | Approx. Median Sale Price (2025 Data) | Real Estate Tax Approx. Rate | Commute Pattern |
| Arlington | Walkable, Metro access, near Pentagon and DC | ~$808,000 | ~1.033% | ~26.6 minutes |
| Fairfax | Schools, Tysons, and Reston job hubs | ~$756,000 | ~1.1225% | ~29.5 minutes |
| Loudoun | Newer homes, tech corridor, Metro to Ashburn | ~$789,000 | ~0.805% | ~31.1 minutes |
| Prince William | More affordable detached living | ~$579,000 | ~0.920% | ~37 to 39 minutes |
County choice affects everyday life. Buyers paying Arlington prices often save many hours of commute time each week, while those heading west toward Loudoun or south into Prince William trade short travel times for lower housing costs and more space.
It’s helpful to rank what you value most before you start touring: proximity to work, square footage, schools, or lifestyle conveniences.
What the Market Looks Like Heading Into 2026
According to data from the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (NVAR), pricing in Northern Virginia remains high.
The region’s median sold price sits around $715,000, and sellers are still receiving almost the full asking price on average. Even with interest rates influencing buyer behavior, homes remain desirable, especially near metro stations, established neighborhoods, and top-ranked schools.
Inventory is rising, although supply remains low compared with demand. NVAR data indicates the number of active listings jumped over 34.7% year over year heading into fall 2025, while average days on market stretched to roughly 28 days. The pace gives buyers a little breathing room compared with the rapid sales of 2021 through 2023, when bidding wars were constant.
Still, the best properties do not linger. Expect competition, but there are now more opportunities to negotiate for repairs or credits than buyers experienced in the past few years.
What it Really Costs to Buy Here
Budget expectations often start with the listing price, yet the true cost of homeownership in Northern Virginia includes deposits, settlement taxes, and recurring expenses that stretch the financial picture well beyond the advertised number.
Earnest Money and Down Payment Decisions
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that many first-time buyers nationwide put down around 9%, while repeat buyers tend to offer something closer to 23%. In Northern Virginia, a competitive offer usually includes an earnest money deposit equal to 1 to 3% of the sale price. Those funds are delivered soon after contract acceptance and eventually apply toward the final amount due at closing.
Quick access to deposit funds signals commitment and can help your offer shine when competition is strong. If your savings are limited, Virginia offers programs that help first-time buyers secure down payment and closing assistance if they meet income guidelines.
Closing Costs, Taxes, and Fees You Will See at Settlement
Buyers in Virginia cover several categories of settlement charges. Lender fees, title services, prepaid taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and state and local recordation taxes all factor into the total. Once everything is added, many buyers land in the 2 to 5% range of the purchase price.
Virginia’s tax structure is essential to understand. The state charges a deed recordation tax calculated based on home value, and local jurisdictions may add their own recordation amount. Northern Virginia also applies a transportation-related fee on most purchase transactions. A settlement agent handles these funds on your behalf at closing.
Ongoing Ownership Expenses That Influence Monthly Payments
Property taxes vary quite a bit across the region. Arlington taxes an $800,000 home at roughly $8,264 annually, and Fairfax County has a slightly higher rate. Loudoun offers a lower rate because of strong commercial tax revenue from its data center industry. Prince William falls somewhere in the middle.
Homeowners association fees are common here, supporting daily operations, shared facilities, and reserve accounts that help cover major repairs later on. Condo buildings in Arlington, Alexandria, or Reston often require move-in scheduling for elevators and loading areas. Some buildings also charge deposits or move-in fees that must be paid before the truck arrives.
Car owners should also note the personal property tax. Counties bill annually based on the value of your vehicle, and those costs need to be part of your relocation planning.
Financing Outlook That May Help You Plan Your Move
Mortgage rates in late 2024 and 2025 hovered near the high 6% range. Forecasters believe there may be a gradual shift toward the lower 6% to upper 5% levels by late 2026.
Such a rate change delivers meaningful savings on loans between $600,000 and $800,000. Buyers across the region watch rate drops closely because timing even small improvements can reshape affordability.
Virginia supports buyers through several assistance programs. State agencies can offer down payment money and limited closing cost help that can bridge the gap for qualified first-time purchasers. Prince William County even extends assistance to those who live or work locally and meet federal income thresholds.
These resources make homeownership feel more realistic in a region where salaries are high but housing costs rise quickly.
Choosing the Right Community for Your Lifestyle
Every corner of Northern Virginia tells a different story, shaped by commute patterns, housing styles, and local amenities. A little location awareness goes a long way when matching a home to your priorities.
Arlington and Alexandria: Where Transit and Work Sit Side by Side
Living near the Pentagon, National Landing, or Rosslyn places you just minutes from downtown Washington, D.C.
Metro access brings multiple rail lines within walking distance in many neighborhoods. Airports are close, restaurants fill the streets, and homes sell swiftly thanks to these conveniences.
As a result, prices actively reflect that demand, and property taxes run high compared with farther counties.
Fairfax County: Balanced Options With Strong Schools
With more residents than any other Virginia county, Fairfax offers a broad mix of condos, townhomes, and single-family neighborhoods. Tysons and Reston support tech and government contracting jobs. Public schools consistently attract relocating families.
Home values are high but slightly lower than in Arlington for many property types. Commute times vary based on where you work, although the Silver Line extension now connects Dulles to downtown.
Loudoun County: Newer Homes and High-Tech Influence
Homebuyers in Ashburn or Sterling see evidence of growth everywhere. Data centers support thousands of jobs and have provided tax revenue that helps keep property costs manageable relative to home size.
Newer subdivisions offer updated amenities, parks, and shopping. Metrorail’s presence at Ashburn Station creates direct travel into Washington, D.C., even from farther west.
Prince William County: Value and Space for Your Budget
House hunters who want a yard and extra bedrooms often consider Prince William communities such as Woodbridge and Manassas.
Purchase prices remain more approachable than the rest of Northern Virginia, although residents invest more time commuting. Down payment programs targeted at workforce households can ease the path to homeownership here.
What to Know About Closing in Virginia
Virginia law obligates purchasers to investigate any property they intend to buy, since limited disclosures are required.
The seller typically discloses limited information, so inspections remain essential for uncovering needed repairs or safety issues. Skipping an inspection to compete would introduce unnecessary risk.
A settlement agent facilitates closing. They conduct the title search, oversee the signing meeting, guide fund transfers, coordinate tax payments, and record the deed once the buyer has signed. You can choose who manages that process; some prefer attorney-led closings, while others select experienced title companies.
Reviewing the HOA or condo packet early matters. Those documents list dues, parking rules, pet restrictions, upcoming special assessments, and move-related requirements. Reading them closely can prevent surprises from popping up on move day.
Moving Logistics Matter When Your Home Closes Fast
Inventory may stay tight in 2026, meaning contracts often include quick possession dates. Buyers who prepare ahead of time will easily transition from the settlement table to their new home.
Some condo buildings in Arlington, Alexandria, and Reston require elevator reservations well in advance, and they often request proof of insurance from your movers. Certain hours may restrict access to the loading dock. Clarifying those rules before closing lets you schedule your moving truck for the same window that funds clear and keys transfer.
A ready-to-move mindset helps you enjoy your first night in your new place rather than scrambling to organize logistics after signing.
Buying With Confidence in a Region Full of Opportunity
Northern Virginia offers careers, lively communities, and access to nearly everything the Washington metropolitan area provides. Homes command high prices, though more inventory and slight shifts in mortgage rates give buyers more breathing room than they have had recently.
As soon as the paperwork is finalized and the settlement date is known, the team at MG Moving Services helps make every step toward moving day easier. Our experienced local and long-distance crews support moves within Northern Virginia and relocations across the East Coast.
We’re proud of the trust homeowners place in us, whether they are settling into a condo near the Metro or unpacking in a spacious Loudoun County house. Reach out for a free quote online or call (888)-707-7709 to start planning your move into your new Northern Virginia home.